I have always thought catamarans are better in storms. However, I came across this blog from 2012 that said “Cats can’t handle rough seas.” Nonesense. I decided that I would find that out for myself. Now, I always thought cats were known to be better in storms. Which is it?
Catamarans are excellent in storms. Catamarans are superior in nearly all areas of sailing. They are faster, safer. and roomier. Even sailing to wind has been clarified. However they are not that great at tacking. Catamarans are replacing the old familiar V-shaped monohulls, and for good reason.
Are Catamarans Any Good in Storms?
Roland and Francis Prout, two brothers, experimented with catamarans in 1949. They entered sailboat races. Their Shearwater catamarans handily won their races against monohulls. In fact, they won nearly every race they entered. They converted their entire Canvey Island boat factory to producing catamarans in 1954. Francis Prout successfully raced Yellow Bird in the 1960s. It’s now in the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall.
Further, electric catamarans are slowly making inroads on the wind-powered sailing catamarans. Some people have the idea that catamarans are fine in some sea weather but not others. That’s simply not true. Cats are great everywhere.
The Truth About Catamarans
Catamarans are superior in nearly every way, even in storms. They are nearly impossible to capsize. Catamarans are made of material that floats. It is possible that a catamaran can be overturned. That is theoretically possible but again, you would have to be trying to lose a bet.
While catamarans don’t heel (or roll), some people find their sideways motion uncomfortable. The fast motion of the boat in heavy storms isn’t as comfortable or familiar. There are some people who prefer monohulls, simply because the heeling feels stabilizing.
Other Catamaran Qualities
A freak wave could catch the catamaran sideways. Given that cats don’t have deep keels, they tend to slide sideways. If the wave were high enough, it could flip the cat entirely over. That would be the one thing to watch out for. On the other hand, the same could happen to any monohull. There are always freak waves. It’s just that they are so rare it’s not worth considering. They occur less than lightning strikes.
Marinas charge more for the catamarans, but that’s because berth space is limited. Besides, cats do take up more space.
Conclusion
Absolutely catamarans are better in storms. In fact, cats are better in nearly all ways and under all conditions. They tend to slide on a wave because they don’t have deep keels. That’s all.
if you need more research, send me feedback and I will tell you what I find.
Sources:
https://www.webbemarine.com.au/the-truth-about-cats/